Research assumes special significance for any stylist worth his or her salt. More so in the case of Niharika Khan, who believes in not only digging out interesting nuggets from archives but also speaking to those who are well versed with the subject, as she does not want her actors to look out of place with the surroundings.
Recently, she was roped in for Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Fan , which is set in Delhi, a city completely alien to her as she has neither lived nor studied in the metropolis. She did not have to think twice before taking help from the superstar, a proud Dilliwala, himself.
Shah Rukh was more than willing to help her. “This film is based partly in Bombay and in Delhi. Since I am not a Delhiite I could not relate to the person staying in a posh South Delhi locality and North Delhi. This is where Shah Rukh proved extremely helpful. The moment I broached the subject with him, he immediately started giving me details. Having lived in the city during his growing up years, he told me the difference between the people of Janakpuri and South Delhi. The kind of authority he has on Delhi, his input has given me a good idea about the demography of the city.”
Niharika describes the ongoing project as an ordinary film. “Well, Fan is not a period film. It has a contemporary, very real feel to it. Personally, I am also exploring the city. I have been to DLF Emporio, Karol Bagh, Chandni Chowk and South Extension. I have bought fabric from these areas and have shopped for accessories too. As a costume designer my whole life revolves around research. When you are creating a character the journey has to start from research. Then I give my creative touch and take cinematic liberties.”
Differentiating between a couturier and stylist, Niharika says while the former makes a fashion statement, the latter makes costumes according to the character’s hierarchy in society. “Status plays a key role in making the character look real. If I am dressing up a socialite then I have to give her an identity which is glamorous and modern. Like in Kai Po Che I had to dress up Rajkumar as a typical Gujarati character. The dress had to conform to the dress style of that State. In the same film, I gave Sushant Singh Rajput T-shirts which I had bought from street vendors.”
